3 min read
Read it one character at a time
C — cementitious adhesive. 2 — improved performance. T — slip resistance. E — extended open time. Together, C2TE describes a cementitious adhesive with improved performance, reduced slip and a longer open time after spreading.
CT-02 Prime is documented as EN 12004 C2TE and IS 15477:2019 Type 2T. CT-01 carries C1TE: the same special characteristics, at normal rather than improved performance.
Why open time and slip matter
Open time is how long the combed adhesive can stand before the tile must be placed and still achieve the intended bond. Extended open time gives more working time, which helps on larger areas and in warmer conditions, within the limit in the technical data.
Slip resistance is what keeps a wall tile from sliding down the combed bed. It does not replace spacers, levelling or a correct bed thickness.
S1 is a further characteristic
When the code continues to S1, as on CT-03 and CT-04 (C2TES1), the adhesive is also classified deformable. That is relevant where a degree of movement has to be accommodated. S2, on PU Adhesive, is the highly deformable class.

